January 2010

The adventure begins. Yesterday, I took the day off from work so I could get everything in order. I’m borrowing a tent from my daughter. I put that up and took it down, just so I was familiar with it. I got my gear around. I went out and purchased freeze-dried food, dried food and canned foods so I can eat while in Haiti. I was on the phone countless times yesterday getting details worked (they’re still not totally ironed out yet). But, I got everything packed and got to the airport ON TIME and my bag was right at 50 pounds. I didn’t even weigh it. My only fear is the zipper. It doesn’t always catch just right. I hope it doesn’t spring open on the first ‘throw’ from the baggage handlers.

I’ve been trying to pray for this trip, but I’ve been having difficult knowing how to pray. I started off praying that God would provide me the opportunity to go to Haiti to help the people in their suffering. Then, I started praying that God would allow me to represent Compassion International in a way that would encourage many people to begin supporting Compassion International. Now, I’m just praying that God will give me wisdom that I can accomplish all He wants me to accomplish, and nothing more.

I know, that’s open ended. But, I think that’s how I have to be on this trip. It’s been a while since I’ve covered the aftermath of a natural disaster — the first time covering a disaster of this magnitude. So, getting into ’emergency’ mode is more of an adrenaline rush. In the midst of that ‘rush’ I’m pray that God will allow me to make decisions that will not only call Christians to get out of the pew and do something for God, but that those who don’t know Christ would choose to follow him.

Well, I have a long day ahead of me and I’m sure I’ll have plenty to report in the days ahead. I do plan on making a daily video blog about my work in Haiti. I will probably post that to the MNN YouTube account, which can be found at http://www.youtube.com/MissionNetworkNews. You can also joint the MNN group or fan pages on Facebook. Those links can be found on our main page on our website.

Well, I got official word last night that I am going to Haiti. I’ll be leaving tomorrow (Jan 29) and returning Wednesday. Now the adrenalin is flowing. I’m excited about being able travel to a place where people are in such need. 2 million people were affected by the 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti. That’s half of the country’s population. With Haiti the poorest nation in the western hemisphere BEFORE the earthquake, we can only imagine where it falls now.

Let me explain what I’ll be doing while I’m there. Not only will I be covering stories for Mission Network News, but I’ll also be representing Compassion International in their Help Haiti with Compassion campaign. On Monday, Feburary 1, radio stations from around the country will be banding together to help raise money for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. It’s broadcast effort being called Help Haiti with Compassion and will be heard on hundreds of radio stations around the United States. Moody Radio and Air 1 are just two of the networks carrying the effort.

Compassion International has been working in Haiti for 42 years. They recognized the need BEFORE the earthquake. They were one of the first organizations to begin delivering aid to the needy victims. While bottle necks continue happening at the airport, Compassion is bypassing that with an in country distribution network called, The Local Church. With that network, Compassion is able to identify the most needy and get the aid to those who need it most.

I’d like to encourage you to come back here often. I will be trying to update photos as often as I can.

I received a call a number of days ago about the possibility of traveling to Haiti to cover the relief effort. I had originally wanted to travel in at the beginning of the disaster. Had I been able to get in within 24 to 48 hours I would have gone. However, now I’m not planning to go in until January 30.

I’ve been trying to process the whole Haiti disaster and prepare myself for what I’m going to see. But, I’ve been told NOTHING will prepare me for what I will see, hear, and smell.

I have covered Haiti for years here at Mission Network News. I covered the coup, the multiple natural disasters and even the man made ones. However, nothing compares to this.

While details are still being worked out, I’ve been asked to go to Port au Prince to help with the Help Haiti with Compassion campaign that will be on Christian radio across the United States. AIR1 and the Moody Broadcasting Network are two of the notable networks who will be using Feburary 1 as a day to help Compassion International raise money for the people of Haiti.

There are many organizations who are doing great work. However, Compassion International has to be one of the largest. They’re working with more than 64,000 young people and their families. They’ve been working there for 40 years. At the time of the earthquake they had 75 national staff working in Haiti. Many of their staff have lost family members. Sponsored children have perished and are missing. Young people in their Leadership Development Program have died.

Haiti — already the poorest nation in the western hemisphere BEFORE the earthquake — now where are they?

I expect to hear in the next 24 hours whether or not I’m going. I have mixed emotions about going. So, pray the Lord’s will be done.